That's
the noise that has been heard every four minutes on one of the local
radio stations (702). Why you might ask? According to the latest
statistics every four minutes a rape is perpetrated in South Africa and this is
part of a Lead SA Campaign to bring awareness to this horrific state
of affairs.
So what does this
terrifying statistic have to do with Leadership? The answer to that question is
two tiered and speaks to the social context and the response and
leadership exercised by people to these incidents.
If we look to the social
context we must acknowledge that most people, sociopaths aside, attempt
to live up to the role models that they see. If the perception
is that might is right and that the person with power (political, physical or
psychological) has the ability to do and get away with anything, then what is
the incentive to not take what you want and act
without considerations for consequences that, in truth, are
unlikely to arise.
Underlying this
perception and attitude is a sense of deep frustration. It is often seen
that in a group of people when they feel powerless to change their situation,
and see no light at the end of the tunnel, they compensate by
(viciously) exercising whatever power they can in their circle of
influence. The more disempowered the individual the smaller circle of
influence becomes and the impact falls on neighbours, wives, children and those
who randomly happen to be passing by.
Consider how you would feel if you had no
education, no money, no job and no reasonable way of changing any of
those facts legally. When society either directly or through its actions
effectively tells you that you are of no value enough times you come to believe
it and you no longer value other people. The ramifications of that belief
play a part in what we see happening with every ping.... ping ...... ping.
This context and
frustration in no way excuses, exonerates or justifies any such heinous act. As
a member of any society we have the obligation to stand for what we believe is
right and value, and to speak out against the abominations that is
signified by each lonely and intrusive Ping.
So how does social
leadership come into play? In stepping up to your responsibilities as a
member and citizen of any society, you can display leadership in your
daily life.
When did you last treat
every person you meet as a valued member of society? Not just because
you needed something from them or because you felt sorry for them but because
you truly believe they have a role to play and are of value?
And when you saw someone
acting contrary to that belief how did you respond? Did you turn you head and
pretend not to have seen? Did you close your ears to the cries and the
scream and the condemnation?
To be a leader doesn't
only mean standing on hill waving a flag, it means stepping up to your values
and living them in your day to day life. It means being an
example, a role model - even in the small things.
If every one of us just
impacted the lives of three or four other people in this positive way it would
be incredible what could be achieved. We all have the potential to be
social leaders; it doesn't take any special skills or position, just self-belief
and trust in your own values.
Every Ping on the radio
is an indication of a opportunity to change things that didn't happen in
time. What will you do to stop the Pings?
